Help with Audi trim pieces

[Scott R]

I tried Audiworld forums, but the top recommendation is to replace the trim. I don't think that is the best answer. We polish fans on 30 year old 911's here, so I think we know a bit more than they do over there. Here is the issue:



I've tried a polish kit and a wheel, the same polish I used to get my SSI's to a mirror finish and no luck. You can see it's like water spots everywhere. What would you guys try to get these back to original? (I'm going to keep the car instead of getting the Cayenne, the Allroad is just too much fun)

[Gogar]

If it's anodized or something, I suppose you could do theoven cleaner thing, then start fresh and polish it up ?

[john walker's workshop]

vaseline is suggested to restore fuchs anodizing.

[Scott R]

I believe it is anodized guys, John how do I use the vasaline? As a polish?

[Oh Haha]

There was a fella on the Mazda forum that had wheels like this. I'll dig up a link for you.

EDIT-it was suggested to strip the anodizing and then polish.

[Scott R]

Maybe the best thing to do is to remove it and have it replated then.

[javadog]

You can try rubbing the vaseline into it and wiping off the excess with a small cloth. It might diminsh the spots somewhat. The only cure is to strip, polish and re-anodize the pieces.

Then, keep it away from the water that caused that.

JR

[Scott R]

They actually came this way to me, just was waxing and cleaning the rest of the car and wanted to fix these. I have a guy here in town that did some hardware on my engine rebuild I bet he can do these as well.

[EarlyPorsche]

I drove an allroad a couple times. Had a tune and exhaust. That thing was a complete and utter rocket. The ride was unreal smooth. Only real problem they have is when the air suspension fails but even that is simple.

Back on topic: I think you have a coating that has been compromised. It doesn't look anodized so much as satin cleared. The picture is difficult to make out but you could always consider taking them off and wirewheeling them to a different finish.

[Scott R]

Originally Posted by EarlyPorsche

I drove an allroad a couple times. Had a tune and exhaust. That thing was a complete and utter rocket. The ride was unreal smooth. Only real problem they have is when the air suspension fails but even that is simple.

Back on topic: I think you have a coating that has been compromised. It doesn't look anodized so much as satin cleared. The picture is difficult to make out but you could always consider taking them off and wirewheeling them to a different finish.

True, I really can't kill them any worse than they are now. And yes, the car is a rocket, the fun factor is why I'm keeping it actually.

[javadog]

It's clear anodized. It's a common problem with trim.

Another option is to paint it. There are several paints on the market in the last few years that look good on trim.

JR

[Scott R]

Originally Posted by javadog

It's clear anodized. It's a common problem with trim.

Another option is to paint it. There are several paints on the market in the last few years that look good on trim.

JR

Is the paint an anodized (metallic) color? I'm OK with that actually if it will last longer. If it were a 911 part I would powder coat it but I think that would look a bit odd.

[Oh Haha]

The anodized trimon our BMW looked similar. I tried several methods of cleaning with no results.

I finally resorted to painting it black and it looked great.

This option probably isn't what I would do with your Audi but painting IS an option for you. Dupli-color makes a trim paint in silver that might be close to the original look. You would have to paint all of the pieces to make it consistent, though.

[javadog]

Originally Posted by Scott R

Is the paint an anodized (metallic) color? I'm OK with that actually if it will last longer. If it were a 911 part I would powder coat it but I think that would look a bit odd.

Yes, the paint that I have in mind is a satin silver. I don't recall the brand but it's something a body shop would use, not something you'd find at the local hardware store. I have a friend that does restoration work and he has used it. I have seen it used to repaint a chrome bumper and it looked pretty good.

JR

[kaisen]

Use vinegar and water to try to clean the spots.
If not, try using 'Goof Off' to strip the coating.